Some might consider the 'Avengers' series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as modern day epic stories. It brings together a large group of superheroes with their own unique abilities and backstories. They face global and even universal threats like Thanos. There are epic battles, character arcs, and a sense of an overarching story that spans multiple movies, making it a modern epic in the superhero genre.
One example is the story of Malala Yousafzai. She defied the Taliban in Pakistan to fight for girls' education. Despite being shot in the head by the Taliban, she survived and continued her advocacy on a global scale. Her courage makes her an epic hero in modern times.
Some epic modern novels include 'Infinite Jest' by David Foster Wallace. It's a complex and sprawling work that delves into themes like addiction, entertainment, and the search for meaning in a post - modern world. 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien, while set in a fictional fantasy world, has had a huge impact on modern literature and is an epic in terms of its world - building, character development, and the grandeur of its story. 'A Passage to India' by E.M. Forster is also an important epic modern novel that examines the relationships between the British and Indians during the colonial era, exploring themes of race, culture, and misunderstanding.
Modern day epic novels often feature an epic journey, not necessarily in a physical sense but also in an emotional or spiritual one. For instance, in 'Cloud Atlas', the characters go through different lifetimes and experiences that are all interconnected. They also might have elements of historical or cultural significance woven into the story. This helps to ground the novel in a larger context and gives it more depth and meaning.
One modern day horror story could be about cyberstalking. A person's every move online is monitored by an unknown entity, their personal information leaked, and they start receiving threats. Another could be the horror of living in a polluted environment where the air is so bad it makes people sick, and the water is undrinkable. There are also stories about identity theft, where someone wakes up to find their entire financial life in ruins because a criminal has stolen their identity.
One example could be the movie 'The Lion King'. Simba's situation has some parallels to Hamlet. His father is killed unjustly, and he is haunted by his father's death and has to face the usurper, Scar, much like Hamlet has to deal with Claudius. Another example might be in some modern political dramas where a young heir to power has to avenge the death of a family member while navigating a corrupt political system.
Another modern day torture story is about the abuse of detainees in certain conflict zones. There have been accounts of detainees being subjected to physical beatings, sleep deprivation, and other forms of cruel treatment. These actions violate basic human rights and international laws.
Another is 'West Side Story'. It's inspired by 'Romeo and Juliet'. The feuding families are replaced by rival gangs in New York City. The story of star - crossed lovers remains, but with a more contemporary backdrop, different cultures, and the added element of social commentary on issues like immigration and discrimination.
One example could be stories of people inheriting family land or property in modern times. It might involve the challenges they face in maintaining or making decisions about it. Another could be the inheritance of a family business. The heir has to deal with modern market competition and changing consumer demands while carrying on the family legacy.
In a political context, a politician who is overly eager for power may be seen as a modern - day Macbeth. He might make underhanded deals, manipulate the media, and sacrifice the well - being of his constituents all in the name of climbing the political ladder. For instance, he could promise things during his campaign that he has no intention of fulfilling just to get elected.
Modern day epic stories often use more modern technology and settings. For example, instead of ancient battlefields, we might have a post - apocalyptic world like in 'Mad Max: Fury Road'. Also, modern epic stories can have more diverse characters in terms of gender, race, and sexual orientation. In contrast, traditional epic stories were often more centered around male heroes from a specific culture. Another difference is the medium. While traditional epics were mainly oral or written in the form of long poems, modern epics are often movies, TV shows, or novels.